Books Change Lives!
Read about the books that have change the lives of others.
Title: I know why the caged bird sings
Author: Maya Angelou
How the book influenced my life: It helped me see that I was not the only one who seemed to not have a voice. Although, I tried to explain things to my mother she choose not to hear me --was it for the sake of the family or did my wants and concerns not mean nothing to her.
Submitted By: Sandra
Title: Selected Writings of Benjamin Franklin
Author: Intro by Henry Steels Commager, The Modern Library
How the book influenced my life: As a technically oriented boy back in the 50's, I didn't have much interest in history. This book was given to me by a friend, and it set me on a lifelong quest for more about history. I have read book ranging from the life of Charlemagne to the biography of the three commanders at the Alamo. The American Revolution is my favorite period, and there have beeome excellent biographies written in the last two decades about the men of that period.
Submitted By: Charles
Title: The Fabulous Journey of Hieronymus Meeker
Author: Willy Jons (Meeker)
How the book influenced my life: I first read this science fiction work when I was about 14--almost forty years ago. Its lasting effect on me isn't due so much to its plot, which is interesting but far from unique, but the author's writing style. Prior to discovering Meeker (in the San Bruno Library), I read primarily Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert Heinlein; their books satisfied my craving for science fiction, but their prose--I realized after reading Meeker--was unexceptional. I found in Meeker a use of sentence structure and diction that was initially challenging but refreshing--Meeker showed me how important prose is to story. This work, I believe, was my bridge to enjoying literature. Recently, I was fortunate enough to find a lightly-foxed but musty-smelling copy for sale over the Internet, and though my lust for science fiction has diminished significantly over the years, I was able to enjoy the book again after many decades. Here's to Hieronymus, the Jeemarad and her crew, the Kodliks, the Gromliks, the Vimliks, the Optliks, and, especially, Willy Jons. "As Hieronymus wrote, so has it been published."
Submitted By: Larry
Title: When the Heart Waits
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
How the book influenced my life: At a time in my life when waiting was what I needed most and did not want to be standing still, this book put everything into perspective for me.
Submitted By: Nanett
Title: Silver Slippers
Author: Temple Bailey
How the book influenced my life: I was about 10 years old when my mother gave me this book. It is about a romance/mystery about a young girl. This book made me realize I could go anywhere and do anything through books and my love of reading is still strong today.
Submitted By: Janice
Title: The mismeasure of man
Author: Stephen Jay Gould
How the book influenced my life: It made me more skeptical and critical of the notions and beliefs that have no hard evidence, or whose foundations are ambiguous.
Submitted By: Tony
Title: Sorrow (Saudade)
Author: Claribel Alegria
How the book influenced my life: Her poetry, written after her husband's death, greatly helped me find voice for my own grief after my husband died last year.
Submitted By: Elizabeth
Title: the bible
Author:
How the book influenced my life:.
Submitted By: carl
Title: All James Patterson mysteries
Author: James Patterson
How the book influenced my life: He writes short chapters & keeps one from putting the book down.
Submitted By: howard
Title: state of fear
Author: Michael Crichton
How the book influenced my life:Made me cringe that there is a possibility that George W. Bush and I may be on the same side of any issue . . . very scary thought!! Great book with some startling insights. An the info to back them up.
Submitted By: jean
Title: The Wisdom of Insecurity
Author: Alan Watts
How the book influenced my life: this book reminds you that you are not separate from what you are thinking and feeling at each moment. It is the nature of being alive to live with uncertainty. The silent spaces between notes are as important to the beauty of music as the notes themselves. Be comfortable or at least reconciled with uncertainty, silence, and internal experiences.
Submitted By: roger
Title: The Great Brain
Author: John D. Fitzgerald
How the book influenced my life: I immigrated to this country (from Hong Kong) when I was in the second grade. My sixth grade teacher told me that since English is my second language, I would always read at a grade level below my actual grade. This was the same year my sister introduced me to John D. Fitzgerald's "Great Brain" series. It was about the adventures of a young boy during the turn of the 20th century, who was very smart and utilized his intellect to swindle money from his brothers and friends. Then my brother got me reading a lot of Sci-fi and fantasy stuff like Issac Asimov, Douglas Adams, and Michael Moorcock. From then on, I became a book junky. All those books took me to unknown worlds and far away lands, that I became mesmerized with this alternate universe within my mind. I couldn’t wait to go outside with my friends and see what adventure we would get into. Every tree became a monster and behind every bush is a doorway to a new world. Sadly, I also became one of those kids that stayed up late at night, reading under the cover with a flashlight after lights out, which I believe is one of the causes for my bad eyesight. During my high school freshman year, we were tested for English placement. As it turns out, I was now reading at the level of a college junior (which I had to throw back at my sixth grade teacher). Although, my brother became the major influence in the materials I was reading, but the “Great Brain” by John D. Fitzgerald got the ball rolling, and for that, I am forever grateful to my sister.
Submitted By: Tony
Title: Left Behind the Kids Series
Author: Jerry B Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
How the book influenced my life: Ever since I have watched the real movies, I have been iterested in the topic. First, I read the big paperback book, but when I read the little ones, I got a better idea on the subject. They were so interesting, that I have gotten to #27. I would recommend these books to people interested in the Rapture, and the Bible, but want something easier.
Submitted By: John Luke
Title: Mists of Avalon
Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
How the book influenced my life: It showed me how I can read difficult books if I really want to, because it was really long.
Submitted By: John Luke
Title: The Way of The Peaceful Warrior
Author: Dan Millman
How the book influenced my life:In so many ways this book is a treasure with wisdom from a myriad of sources. The author should give me a cut of percentages because I have bought this book the most for others (maybe like a 100 copies). What inspired me was that the lessons of life and spirituality were incorporated into story form about a real life champion gymnist, Dan Millman. The crux of the matter is how to survive and thrive to greater heights no matter what life hands us to deal with. We fall short of reaching our true potential. I can't explain exactly how this novel changed my life except that there has been a definite shift in my perceptcion about "reality."
Submitted By: Marian
Title: how children learn
Author:
How the book influenced my life: Taught me more about myself and how I use to learn still want to learn and what not to do to myself so I can learn.
Submitted By: mary
Title: War and Peace
Author: Leo Tolstoy
How the book influenced my life: One thing that struck me was Tolstoy's description of how a battle is planned but the moment it begins chaos reigns. Things happen that one one every considered or dreamed of. Life is like that. The future is totally open. I kind of like that...
Submitted By: Loretta
Title: Simple Abundance
Author: Sarah Ban Breathnach
How the book influenced my life:I read this book in my late 40's and as a result, began keeping a gratitude journal which in turn, lead me to make major changes in the direction my life was going. I resumed a path I had begun as an adolescent and strayed from along the way - the spiritual journey. I left a long term toxic marriage at the age 50 and have never looked back. The adventure continues and my life has been blessed in many varied and unexpected ways.
Submitted By: Lauren
Title: The Stand
Author: Stephen King
How the book influenced my life:Not just the book, which I found a fascinating story of good vs evil, but the fact that way back when I was raising babies it reintroduced me to the quiet joy of reading. My life was hectic, and books once again became my refuge and my friends.
Submitted By: Kathleen
Title: Reposition Yourself - Living Life Without Limits
Author: Rev. T.D. Jakes
How the book influenced my life:This book is an inspiration to my life. When I was at some of the lowest points of my life, a friend called me and recommeded this book. It has made me look at life a lot more different. Instead of seeing the negative side of life, it has showed me that out of all negative things, there is a positive and when you think you are down and out, there is someone worse off than you.
Submitted By: Joycfe
Title: The Odyssey
Author: Homer
How the book influenced my life: Between the age of 12 and 17 I read these adventures numerous times. It sparked interest in World travel, encouraged me to keep an open mind and respect other cultures, even if they have only one eye! What I realize now at 50 yr.old, is that the same adventures could be lived again with different "setting and accessories" and the Life lesson would be the same: enrich your mind, forget greed, be honest, respect every life form and love will prevail, with hard work.
Submitted By: Karin
Title: The Tao of Pooh
Author: Benjamin Hoff
How the book influenced my life:The book gave me a new way of looking at my life during a difficult period. It influenced me to investigate the Tao and become a practitioner of Tao in a small, limited way. "Who can remain still until the mud settles?".
Submitted By: Ann
Title: The Visitation
Author: Frank Peretti
How the book influenced my life: This book got me thinking about god again, especially at time when i need him .I have not gone over all religious, but many who like christian books would love this author and story.
Submitted By: Shari
Title: Lifes Golden Ticket
Author:
How the book influenced my life:Makes you reflect on your life and how your actions are related to others lives.
Submitted By: C
Title: A Thousand Splendid Suns
Author: Khalid Hosseini
How the book influenced my life: It made me look at my life differently and it made me realize how lucky we are to be living in such a wonderful and democratic country.
Submitted By: Judy
Title: The Purpose Driven LIfe
Author: Rick Warren
How the book influenced my life: forces you to look deeper into your life and your relationship with God. gives insight on how to get closer connected with Him.
Submitted By: Jeannette
Title: Law of Attraction
Author: Michael Losier
How the book influenced my life: This is a book that combines NLP (Nuero Linguistic Programming) and the Law of Attraction (this is the topic that is in the movie "The Secret". It is a proven law that the way we see the world and what we what are focus on is what we bring into our lives. The steps are easy to follow and the results are amazing. Do you want a new job, relationship? Do you want to feel peaceful on a daily baisis and allow the magic of your life to unfold in a joyful fulfilling way. This book can show you how! I went from a job that was draining and unfulfilling to a career that gave me a 30% increase and purpose; a successful marriage; opened up my creativity and I wake up everyday so grateful for my life. It is an awesome book and a must read for everyone on the planet.
Submitted By: Evelyn
Title: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
How the book influenced my life: I was at a cross roads in my life and decided not to be hasty in my decision making. In the interim, I read this book and the adventure, presented in such simple, clear, and poetic prose, inspired me to cut thru all the extraneous details and get to the heart of the matter, empowering me to make the right choice for the right reasons.
Submitted By: Nicole
Title: Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory
Author: Raymond E. Barrett
How the book influenced my life: The power od the carbon arc furnace mesmerized me. I would suggest buying a real rheostat instead of building the salt-water one suggested, for safety, but this certainly shows the immense power of science. I am always in tune with the state of the universe after building the projects in this book. Excellent work, I must say.
Submitted By: Martin
Title: "Where The Sidewalk Ends"
Author: Shell Silverstein
How the book influenced my life: My Mother introduced me to this witty book of children's poetry in the 3rd grade. It was chocked full of humor & sacrasm a rambunctious child could appreciate. Through this book, I was taken by the melody of great poetry. Each poem was an immediate classic in itself. While on the Forensic League in High School, I placed in several spoken word competions with selctions from this very same book. It's no surprise then that this was the book that I gave my son for his first school reading log as well. It was through the writing of Shell Silverstein that I learned to look outside the box. I could escape into a land where no matter what your shape or size...you always fit in. Because of Shell Silverstein's Where The Sidewalk Ends, I fell in love with the joy of the written word. It impacted my life so much that I began a lifelong quest for more literary adventures and eventually a life as a writer myself.
Submitted By: Christina
Title: Endymion
Author: Dan Simmons
How the book influenced my life: This is my favorite book. It's the third installment in a series of four books known as the "Hyperion Cantos". Endymion has such a sense of adventure to it that it expands my imagination. The well-developed characters and fantastic settings don't take away from the piece, but rather reinforce lessons of emotions. It helped me to feel less lonely by taking me to another place and allowed me to escape my own needless worries, if even only for a time. It's a thought-provoking piece that barely even felt like I was reading Science Fiction.
Submitted By: Nathaniel
Title: Under the Banner of Heaven
Author:
How the book influenced my life: It is a really good book about the Latter Day Saint/Mormon religion. I like it because it was not all about the polygamy and bad things. It had history from where the religion came from and how it started and it spanned all the way until now with current happenings. If you are interested in other religions and learning about them this is one of the books you should read.
Submitted By: Adrienne
Title: HIGGLETY PIGGLETY POP
Author: MAURICE SENDAK
How the book influenced my life: I READ THIS BOOK IN COLLEGE AND LOVED IT SO MUCH THAT SOME FRIENDS AND I DECIDED TO TURN IT INTO A PLAY. I WAS ABLE TO CALL MAURICE SENDAK AND TALK WITH HIM ABOUT THE BOOK AND THE EXPERIENCE WAS REALLY, REALLY SPECIAL.
Submitted By: JIM
Title: On The Road
Author: Jack Kerouac
How the book influenced my life: I read this book as a teenager and it awakened a deep desire to travel and see the world. It made me curious about other places, people and life in general. Also, in my desire to learn more about these places and people, the book also awakened in me a love for reading which will remain with me forever.
Submitted By: Patrizia
Title: Looking out for number one
Author:
How the book influenced my life: Coming up as a youth and not having a clear direction except what was thrown at me by media, my parents ideals on my life other youths in my peer group and peer pressures. This book cleared a path I silently follow to this day. I saw this book as I was walking by a used book store, it was outside in a bin and the price was marked down so I bought it. Because I traveled by BART from school to work I read it everyday. This book is recommended by me to others because it places you in situations where there is are decisions to be made and the decisions are either go with the group, peer pressures, other peoples ideas for you, or go your own way and when to and how to know the difference is in your best interest. This book showed me my personal importance in making my own decisions and the value of self preservation even though some of the illustrations, and examples used seemed a bit out of the box. This book will show you how to be happy, accepting, and approve of your own desires. I highly recommend this book to youth ages 13 and older however I do suggest a parent view it first as some of the wording may or may not be agreeable to some.
Submitted By: Kelley
Title: The Women's Room
Author: Marilyn French
How the book influenced my life: I thought of myself as a feminist until I read this book. The author opened up my eyes to many of the inequalities I had not noticed before reading it. It also gave me a sense of solidarity, and I knew I was not alone in feeling things needed to be changed. Even now, 30 years later, I remember how deeply emotional I became reading it. It is one of the few books that have traveled with me as I moved around the country.
Submitted By: christine
Title: Conversations Wiith God
Author: Neale Donald Walsch
How the book influenced my life: I was questioning myself about religion and in the process of deepening my relationship with God as I learned how to live free from drugs and alcohol. This book seemed to call to me so I bought it. I discovered a forgiving -loving - humorous God -one who appreciates ALL paths to HIM- and recognizes faith as valid - no matter what religion it is. I began a journey of self discovery that has remained with me for a decade. I love this book - and still refer to it for the wisdom and insight it provides.
Submitted By: Tracey
Title: The Little Red Hen
Author: by Diane Muldrow (Editor), J.P. Miller (Illustrator)
How the book influenced my life: This book taught me the value of hard work and the importance of valuing my work. I also think about this fable when I need to control my impulse to shop for things I do not need. I say to myself: “Chrissy (that’s what I call myself) it took you two hours to make this money that you are about to spend in three minutes, Do you need really these items?
Submitted By: christine
Title: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
How the book influenced my life: I'd forgotten how much fun reading and listening to a good story aloud can be, until my boyfriend and I took turns reading from the stories in the Hitchhiker's Guide. Adams tongue twisting style, his rhyme, his meter, the variety of his sentence structure, and his vividly imagined plot lines had us both trying to read as quickly and as animatedly as we could. It was a blast! The experience gave me some of my fondest memories.
Submitted By: Laura
Title: The Snow Leopard
Author: Matthiessen, Peter
How the book influenced my life: The story of a man's search for the elusive snow leopard while coming to terms with the death of his wife. Introduced me to concepts of Buddhism which I admire but do not necessarily follow.
Submitted By: Michael
Title: Bobbsey Twins
Author: Laura Lee Hope
How the book influenced my life: This series of books was the beginning of my love of reading. It was winter, I was 7, and home with a horrible case of the measles. My father brought me home a book to read, hoping that it would help pass the time I was spending in bed. I was in the second grade, and just starting to get proficient at reading. I wasn't really too interested in reading, although I loved for someone to read to me. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one day! That was the beginning of many enjoyable books that my father would bring me, from Nancy Drew, to Kidnapped, to all the Louisa May Alcott books. My father and I still trade books and love anything that is historical or a series, or funny, or biographies of famous people. We shared the John Adams book and loved it! I have found that if I have a book, all is well with my world. So, that little book about the Bobbsey Twins really did transform my life!
Submitted By: Linda
Title: The Enneagram
Author: Helen Palmer
How the book influenced my life: Without pathologizing. this book offers an exciting and novel way to understand personality types and how they interact. The book just flows. It was a genuine eye opener!
Submitted By: Lawrence
Title: The Holy Bible
Author: The Holy Spirit
How the book influenced my life: By the Grace of the Triune God, I was made spiritually alive after hearing the preaching of the Gospel and reading His Word. This book shows me that I am a hell-deserving sinner under the Righteous Judgement of a Holy God. This book also shows me that if I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, I will have eternal life (John 3:36). The ability to believe is a gift from Jehovah God. This book is about Eternal Life Whose Name is Jesus Christ.
Submitted By: Jeff
Title: Blind Man's Bluff
Author: Sontag
How the book influenced my life: It's a true story of US Navy Submarine espionage. I was a crew mwmber of the "Special Projects" team on one of the submarines in the book, the USS Halibut.
Submitted By: Michael
Title: As a Man Thinketh
Author: James Allen
How the book influenced my life: The book made me realize that society in general has departed from the notion of personal responsibility. What would the world be like if we were more accountable for our actions?
Submitted By: Josh
Title: THE PRISONERS WIFE
Author: ASHA BANDELE
How the book influenced my life: After I finished reading this book, I was truly overwhelmed. I had been going through some of the things the author had gone through in this memoir. You can look through a looking glass and pass judgements and opinions, but until you walk a mile in my moccasins, one will never know. And while reading this book it was as if I had written the book myself. How this book influenced me was basically in this particular situation the end results are about 90 percent the same in the negative, therefore, if you have freedom in life yet chains to a boyfriend or husband you can be there for them, but live your life.
Submitted By: Sheila
Title: Life for a life
Author: Ernest Hill
How the book influenced my life: This book was about a man who lost his teenage son's life through gun violence from another youth, yet he interceded in this youth's life through the years to see him sucessfully become respectable in society. It showed great human compassion, forgiveness and strength to be able to do this, though I am a compassionate person, even I don't know if I would have the courage do as much, however, this book gave me insight on how God wants us to be a a society.
Submitted By: Sheila
Title: The Stand
Author: Stephen King
How the book influenced my life: It was the first book in High School that I read from begining to end. It also started my love for reading. The Stand was so close to what was going on in our own society, you could see the signs and warnings all around you. It was also the first book to ever make me think about the world that I live in and how I can influence it. This book has started my appreciation for reading.
Submitted By: Jennifer
Title: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
Author: Ernest J. Gaines
How the book influenced my life: This book was required reading for a class I took at Solano Community College and I often think how grateful I am that I took that course and was required to read this book. It changed my outlook on life and made me realize how much the same we are, in spite of all our differences. To this day, I can vividly picture Miss Jane Pittman as she took a sip of water from the "white" people's drinking fountain. Her courage still inspires me to stand up for what I believe is right, even if everyone else thinks it's wrong.
Submitted By: SANDY
Title: BLACK BEAUTY
Author: ANNA SEWELL
How the book influenced my life: I read both Black Beauty and The Call of The Wild when I was 9 years old. These were not condensed children's books, but the full adult versions. Black Beauty taught me how to see things through the eyes of an animal that cannot speak. It gave me a great appreciation for watching and trying to communicate with all animals, but mostly horses and dogs. I love all animals and believe they should be treated kindly and trained/disciplined with as little stress as possible. Black Beauty also increased my vocabulary and opened my eyes to life and language used in England. When they made the movie "Black Beauty" a few years back, I was so thrilled to be able to share the movie as well as the book with both of my children.
Submitted By: SANDY
Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
How the book influenced my life: I had to read it for class when I was 15. Pride and Prejudice showed me that classic fiction could be interesting, and readable. I have been a life long fan of the classics ever since.
Submitted By: Catharine
Title: ARMOR
Author: John Steakley
How the book influenced my life: It was one of the best science fiction reads of my 30 year life. It explores the dark side of war, using a very human character who just wants it all to end. Well written, and considered a classic in most literary circles.
Submitted By: Donovan
Title: Tales From the White Hart
Author: Arthur C Clarke
How the book influenced my life: Not many people realize just how visionary Clarke's writings were. His novels and short stories were grounded in solid science, and many of the wonderous things he wrote about in the 40's and 50's are staples of daily life (sattelites, cell phones, and PC's to name a few). But my all time favorite of his was the collection of short stories in Tales From the White Heart. It's set in an old English pub, where the famous (or infamous) Harry Purvis sits and spins fantastic stories of science fact (maybe) with just enough flaws for his rapt audience to call into question his "expertise" in all the areas he claims. This is one of only a handfull of books that I continue to read over and again for the pure joy of it. And it taught me as a youngster that all things are possible, even if theres a little bit of "impossible" in them.
Submitted By: Jerry
Title: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
How the book influenced my life: This beautifully written story highlights the importance of appreciating all life has to offer, and that which crosses our paths along the way. At the end, when you reach your goal or final destination - it is the experience of the journey that is most important.
Submitted By: Ana
Title: James And The Giant Peach
Author: Roald Dahl
How the book influenced my life: In thinking about books that have influenced me, my mind is filled with books that I have read or books that were read to ne when I was growing up. When I was in fourth grade I had a teacher that read to our class the book, "James and the Giant Peach." Everyday at a specific time she would sit on her stool and read to our class.
Submitted By: Carla
Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseni
How the book influenced my life: When I first read this book it was for an English class that I was taking at the time, and it was the only book on the list to choose from that sounded appealing to me. After reading it I realized how much I liked that book. The following year I had the opportunity to read that book again for another english class that I was in. This time when I read it I understood what the book was about and what was really going on in the book. I was able to see the different themes that weaved throughout the whole book. I think that it is a wonderful book. I can't wait until the movie comes out.
Submitted By: Carla
Title: It Doesn't Take A Hero
Author: General H. Norman Schwarzkopf
How the book influenced my life: What I remember when I first read this book was that the title caught my attention. After I read it I found myself buying the book at a local thrift store so that i would have it in my collection. Thinking about it now I can see why I enjoyed reading that book was because I have family that have served in the armed forces.
Submitted By: Carla
Title: There's A Nightmare In My Closet
Author: Mercer, Mayer
How the book influenced my life: Last semester in the preschool program that I work at I had a group of children that really enjoyed this book. When I read to the children they would ask for that book for the longest time. There were times when I would read the book and leave words out and some of the children knew what word came next.
Submitted By: Carla
Title: Death of a President
Author: William Manchester
How the book influenced my life: As a teenager I'd always read fiction, not even good fiction except for To Kill A Mockingbird. A neighbor had me read Death of a President after the Kennedy assassination and I found it more interesting than fiction. I've read non-fiction ever since except for an occasional excursion with Hunter S. Thompson (and most of that is true, isn't it?).
Submitted By: Bob
Title: Quad World
Author: Robert Metzger
How the book influenced my life: This was among the first new "hard" Science Fiction novels I read that introduced me to a new idea: nanotechnology. You read about it and hear about it today, but in 1991 it was fully in the realm of Sci-Fi. It got me thinking and imagining, and I'm now writing my own Sci-Fi novel (which, not-so-oddly-enough, has to do with nanotechnology!)
Submitted By: Benjamin
Title: Dream Variation
Author: Langston Hughes
How the book influenced my life: While in fourth grade going through my 400-something page reading book my eyes fell upon one page in particular. A poem by African American Author/Poet Langston Hughes called Dream Variation (Black Like Me) which I ended up reading in front of the class. I still remember the feeling of having a light come on inside me after reading it. Until that point I had never read poetry and this particular poem made me feel, made me envision and most of all made me consider who I was. Even at such an early age. After that I decided to start writing and I never stopped. Reading still gives me that feeling but never like that time. I've been writing and performing poetry and other works now for over 10 years. All thanks to one single page and moment in history's time. "To fling my arms wide In the face of the sun, Dance! Whirl! Whirl! Till the quick day is done. Rest at pale evening... A tall, slim tree... Night coming tenderly Black like me." Thank you Mr. Hughes.
Submitted By: Lerecia
Title: Courage After Fire
Author: Kieth Armstrong LCSW, Susanne Best Ph.D, Paula Dominici PhD
How the book influenced my life: This book shaped my perspective around the life I live after serving in OIF I. I gained a greater understanding of my actions and how I affect others. My social worker recommended the book for me to facilitate introspection. I passed the book along to my former squad leader and sent a copy to my former commander who was in Egypt at the time. Courage After Fire helped me come back after war and it can help many others that struggle with every day life in school, at work, and at home.
Submitted By: Monika
Title: Try Giving Yourself Away
Author: David Dunn
How the book influenced my life: This book really made me think about all the ways I could do little things for people that in essence didn't cost anything but would help others. I try everyday to give myself away in one form or another. It doesn't cost anything and it makes me feel better about myself.
Submitted By: Beth
Title: Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway
Author: Susan Jeffers
How the book influenced my life: For the longest time just having this book on my bookshelf frightened me. I faced my fear and opened it. This book helped me during a time of transition in my life. It was a time when I had to make a change. It helped me face that fact and move forward in my personal, career and financial life.
Submitted By: Linda
Title: The Holy Bible
Author: God
How the book influenced my life: I was born in Paris. I never received a Christian education or heard about Jesus Christ at home or at school. I have had a scientific education. At the age of 20 I was pacifist anarchist. I was revolting against the society, I left my family and went to live in the mountains as a hippie, doing some gardening, working in farms and taking care of autistic children. I loved to read, I was looking for truth and by reading some books I became a vegetarian. One day, when I was 26, I considered my past life, my readings and I said to myself, “Michel, you are against Christianity but you actually don’t know what Christianity is, since you never read the Bible! You have to read the Bible to know why you are against it, if you pretend to have a scientific way of thinking!”. So I decided that when I will have the opportunity, I will read the Bible. In the same time I also had decided that I would go in September of that year in Italy to join “The Red Brigades”, a terrorist group of that time. Two weeks later, I went to live with a friend in the mountains, and he asked me what I thought about Christ and God. I said that I didn’t believe in God since I believed that everything could be (sooner or later) explained by science. I went to bed and on a bookshelf I saw a Bible. I remembered my decision to read it, and I began reading. After one hour of reading I clearly heard a voice in my mind saying, “This book is the truth, all the truth, only the truth. It’s not what men say, what the churches say that is the truth, but this book is the truth.” As I said previously, I was looking for truth. I accepted the conviction given by the voice, decided to put all my past behind me and to take the Bible for the guide in my life. The next day my friend had a hard time believing his eyes when he saw me reading the Bible all day long! And I read it from cover to cover in one month! I remember especially when, one month later, someone explained to me the righteousness by faith. It was a rainy evening. I went outside in the fields. In my mind I saw Satan showing me some sins of the past. Then I saw Christ taking them upon Himself. Then again Satan showed me other sins, and Christ was taking them. It was like this many times. I was crying for joy, laughing, dancing under the rain, running in the fields. It was a wonderful experience. It was September ‘79 and I was not with the “Red Brigades” but with Jesus! I continued to study the Bible (I began with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation). I was baptized in a river in June 1980.Made me realize that I could help people in small ways that may be free or very inexpensive. Additionally, made me realize that the act of helping was more important than being recognized for any help given.
Submitted By: MICHEL
Title: Random Acts of Kindness
Author: Editors of Conari Press
How the book influenced my life: Made me realize that I could help people in small ways that may be free or very inexpensive. Additionally, made me realize that the act of helping was more important than being recognized for any help given.
Submitted By: Martha
Title: The Winter of Our Discontent
Author: John Steinbeck
How the book influenced my life: Being a woman, it is sometimes difficult for me to understand the pressures that men in our society face. While women face insidious boundaries of gender, men are expected to fit in a rigidly inscripted role of acceptable masculinity. Through the protaganist of this book, I was able, probably for the first time, to see the world through a man's eyes and feel the frailty contained behind his stoic demeanor. An excellent read of love and life. I highly recommend this book to men and women alike.
Submitted By: Laura
Title: Down and Out In the Magic Kingdom
Author: Cory Doctorow
How the book influenced my life: This is probably my favorite book. It mixes sci-fi and just a crazy story.
Submitted By: Josh
Title: Snow Falling On Cedars
Author: David Guterson
How the book influenced my life: As a 3rd generation Japanese American (sansei), I never had to experience the prejudice and hardships that my parents (nisei) and grandparents (issei) did. Even though fiction, this book helped me to understand better. But not only is this book about Japanese Americans during and post WWII, it is about love, the good and bad that exists among all races, forgiveness and redemption. Without forgiveness, one cannot move foreward.
Submitted By: Emily
Title: Purpose Driven Life
Author: Rick Warren
How the book influenced my life: It has answered one of the most important questions in my life. Why on earth am I here? What is the purpose for my existence? How can I maximum my life potential? This is a very personal read - but it will change your life for the better.
Submitted By: Sandra
Title: Taylor Caldwell
Author: Bright Flows the River
How the book influenced my life: This book is about a man that reaches a crisis point in his life, and has to make a decision to move in one of two definitive directions I've read this book a number of times in MY life, at times when I've reached a point in my life where I have to make a critical decision.
Submitted By: Barbara
Title: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coehlo
How the book influenced my life: It caused me to contemplate my own "personal legend", and also to acknowledge that my treasure is right here at home.....no need to search far and wide.
Submitted By: Sonia
Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
How the book influenced my life: This book reminds me of how important the printed page is to carry on the culture of a people and how lost we would be as a society in the absence of printed matter.
Submitted By: jill
Title: Tempest-Tost
Author: Robertson Davies
How the book influenced my life: This marvelous book showed me that stories can be driven by characters and dialogue as much as by plot and genre-specific settings and styles. Robertson Davies was for me the first author to create fully living people who were exciting and dynamic in and of themselves. As someone who had primarily read genre-fiction growing up (SF, mysteries, action/adventure), the idea of a character being the most important part of a book was a revelation and lead me to a much more sophisticated and textured world of books.
Submitted By: Chris
Title: Just This Side of Normal: Glimpses into Life with Autism
Author: Elizabeth King Gerlach
How the book influenced my life: I am the parent of an autistic child, and this was the first book I read that provided a truly realistic portrayal of what it is like to raise an autistic child. The book does not attempt to offer tips for how to cure your autistic child, or recommend any particular therapy or intervention as so many books on autism do. Rather, the author illustrates, through brief glimpses into the daily occurances of her life, what its like, day-to-day, to care for an autistic child. This book made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. I loved how the author captures both the extreme frustrations and joys of parenting a special needs child. I passed this book on to several friends, and they really enjoyed it as well - noting that it really helped them to better understand many of the challenges our family faces. It is a short, easy-to-read book, but very touching and enlightening -I highly recommend it.
Submitted By: Anne
Title: The Hidden Words
Author: Baha'u'llah
How the book influenced my life: ********************************************** "O SON OF SPIRIT! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting." ****************************** Who wouldn't be touched by this opening statement? This small book is filled with profound spiritual concepts common to all peoples and yet, they come in small morsels for contemplation so as to not overwhelm the reader. I'm able to meditate on a variety of subjects and have gained new insight every time. I can open to any page and always find something thought provoking. **********************************************
Submitted By: Linda
Title: East of Eden
Author: John Steinbeck
How the book influenced my life: This was the first real book that I read on my own without being told to read it. That was a life-changing thing for me. I was in the fourth grade and reading this book on my own is the thing that convinced me that books were worth the time. I had a sister who was just so perfect, who did everything right. I was the "problem child" in the family so I could really indentify with Cal and get into his struggles with his father and brother. At that age, you are being told what you can read and I always resented that so I sneaked in my mom's room and grabbed East of Eden off her shelf. It seemed so wicked at the time. I was so lucky to have ended up with Steinbeck because I truly enjoy all of his work. East of Eden and The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane were the only books that I wrote school book reports on that were actually read from cover to cover! I wanted to pick my own books.
Submitted By: Gayle
Title: Love Medicine
Author: Louise Erdrich
How the book influenced my life: This book really taught me about the healing power of empathy. Erdrich's characters are so hopelessly damaged by love, that any reprieve from their heartache seems highly unlikely. Yet, we find that love can be its own medicine, sometimes.
Submitted By: Laura
Title: 1491
Author: Charles C Mann
How the book influenced my life: This book gave me much information to support and help me explain to others my pride in my Native American ancestors. Few Americans know anything of the accomplishments of Americans before the European invasion, and Europeans know even less. This book makes this information available to the general public. I spent a month in Spain this summer associating with Spanish intellectuals. None knew of the agricultural and political accomplishments of Americans before 1492, nor of the great density of the population. I have sent my friends there a copy of this book in Spanish.
Submitted By: Jim
Title: big year
Author: mark obmascik
How the book influenced my life: I had always thought bird watchers were a strange bunch and really wanted nothing to do with them. After reading Obmascik's tale of three birdwatchers, their antics and behaviors, bird watching became a fascination I couldn't resist.
Submitted By: michael
Title: Nice Girls Don't Get Rich
Author: Lois P. Frankel
How the book influenced my life: This book gave me direction on how I could begin making my money work for me.
Submitted By: Jennifer
Title: GATE TO WOMEN'S COUNTRY
Author: SHERI TEPPER
How the book influenced my life: READING THIS BOOK MADE ME REALIZE THAT IF WOMEN WERE IN CHARGE, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP A PEACEFUL WORLD, A WORLD WITHOUT WAR.
Submitted By: BILLIE
Title: His Dark Materials trilogy
Author: Philip Pullman
How the book influenced my life: Though it is billed as a children's fantasy, it has largely to do with very adult themes. Without giving away too much, the trilogy deals largely in part of the idea of religion and a higher power. It's very eye-opening look at how religion can possibly corrupt those who accept with blind faith. Even going so far as to include inquisition and even pre-emptive absolution for murder. While I am not, in fact, very religious, the trilogy has given me a more expansive look at how religion can possibly corrupt absolutely. So it really just succeeded in making me a more jaded individual than ever, but it did change my life.
Submitted By: Trung
Title: Love You Forever
Author: Munsch
How the book influenced my life: I started reading this book to my kids when they were little. It always makes me cry. It reminds you to treasure each moment. I give this book to all my pregnant friends and family.
Submitted By: Terri
Title: Act One An Autobiography
Author: Moss Hart
How the book influenced my life: Moss Hart wrote the plays You Can’t Take it With You and The Man Who Came to Dinner and many others. No one does a better job of describing the crazy passion that goes along with a love for the theatre. Hart made me want to be an actress – I was disillusioned to find Hollywood circa 1980 no match for New York City in the 20s and 30s.
His self deprecating stories of pretense and poverty made me cringe even as I laughed out loud. I read this book again as an adult after reading it the first time as a teen and I laughed even harder the second time around. His stories of Broadway booking agents, Catskill summer camps and amateur theatre groups conjured images I will never forget
Submitted By: Ann
Title: Three Cups of Tea
Author: Greg Mortenson
How the book influenced my life: This true story inspired me and made me understand people of the Middle East so much better. It also gave me a different perspective on the war on terrorism. I highly recommend this book for all Americans to read!
Submitted By: Sandy
Title: Love Comes Softly
Author: Janette Oke
How the book influenced my life: It's not only the book that has influenced me, but the entire series. Everytime I re-read them I am reminded about how God is in control of my life and everything happens in His time. It helps me wait more patiently when things aren't going just as I would have them go in my life.
Submitted By: Anonymous
Title: Screwed: The undeclared war against the middle class - and what we can do about it
Author: Thom Hartmann
How the book influenced my life: Thom Hartmann, Air America radio host, succinctly outlines how and why our country reached the current sad state of affairs socially, economically, and politically in the first decade of the new century. Even better, he offers some ways we can climb out of this dismal swamp together, back to the true democracy with a robust and empowered middle class envisoned when our country was founded. If we are fighting a war in America for the very heart and soul of our country, as Hartmann proposes, there is something we can do about it. Quoting Churchill, he ends with encouragement to "Speak up, fight back, and never, never yield." His words and ideas give me hope through these dark times.
Submitted By: Lana
Title: The life and times of the thunderbolt kid
Author: Bill Bryson
How the book influenced my life: The super power of the thunderbolt kid is that he makes you helpless with laughter, makes you laugh so hard at breakfast that milk comes out your nose, makes you laugh outloud in a crowded lunch room so that your co-workers doubt your sanity. I tried to read my favorite parts, to share with loved ones, but they couldn't understand what I was saying because I was laughing too hard as I read. Let's see, the humor is childish, sometimes gross, often vulgar, yes definitley -- also one of the funniest books I've read. Why nominate it for Books Change Lives? Laughing out loud is good for you; and with this book it's almost aerobic.
Submitted By: Cara
Title: One Bullet Away
Author: Nathaniel Fick
How the book influenced my life: This book helped me understand the character of our volunteer armed forces. The author, Nathaniel Fick, is a classics scholar at Dartmouth – and a Marine office in Iraq. Before I read this book I never knew that the military and intellectualism could mix.
Submitted By: AKM
Title: The Fountainhead
Author: Ayn Rand
How the book influenced my life: It made me think more critically about life.
Submitted By: Stu
